In one of the few losses that the Packers suffered this offseason, veteran blocking tight end Josiah Deguara left Green Bay for Jacksonville on a one-year deal. Now, Green Bay did bring back veteran tight end and core special-teamer Tyler Davis, but he is coming off of a torn ACL injury that cost him all of 2023. Aside from talented rookies Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft, Green Bay doesn’t have any experienced run-blockers.

This is where a veteran journeyman like Nick Vannett could come in and be a useful player on a one-year deal. Here is why Green Bay should consider signing the free agent tight end:

Vannett Has Been Around The Block

The former national champion out of Ohio State was drafted by the Seahawks in the third round back in 2016. Over the next seven seasons, he would bounce around with the Steelers, Broncos, Saints, Giants, Texans, and Chargers. He has 91 career receptions for 877 yards and six touchdowns. So, he is obviously more of a blocking tight end than anything else. A versatile piece that could find a home in Matt LaFleur’s zone running scheme. He also has over 650 special teams snaps. That could be key for special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia, who lost 559 career special teams snaps with Deguara heading to Jacksonville.

His Role In Green Bay

On running plays, Vannett could come in as an extra tight end to seal off edges. He could also prove to be useful in the play-action game considering that isn’t where he usually makes his hay. Bisaccia could use him as an extra protector on the field goal and kick return team. Again, this isn’t the sexiest signing by any means. But adding a core special-teamer and veteran run-blocker on a one-year deal to make up for the loss of Deguara seems like a smart call.